Exercise and Breast Cancer Treatment

It is a well-known fact that exercise can help prevent breast cancer. What is not as widely recognized is that regular exercise can mitigate the symptoms of cancer treatment. This includes

Increased functional capacity

Increased mobility and range of motion (ROM) post-mastectomy

Decreased body fat

Increased lean muscle mass

Reduced loss of bone mineral density

Decreased nausea and fatigue

Improved natural defence mechanisms

Improved sense of control

Improved mood

Improved self-esteem

A systematic meta-analysis published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association in 1996 that analyzed data from 14 studies found that the benefits of exercise were positive even when statistical significance was not achieved. (Outcomes were quality of life, cardiovascular fitness, physical functioning, fatigue, body composition, and adverse treatment effects.) In addition to the aforementioned benefits, physical activity may increase the probability of recovering from the disease itself. A 2005 study of 3000 breast cancer patients found that just one hour of walking per week significantly increased the likelihood of making a full recovery. References American Cancer Society (2005). Exercise Can Improve Breast Cancer Survival. American Cancer Society: Cancer.org. McNeely et al. (2006). Effects of exercise on breast cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of the Canadian Medical Association.